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The ancient Chinese created an agricultural solar system - still in use today - that is based upon their observation of crops, climate, astrology, and the study of animal and plant life cycles. The system guided farmers as to when to sow seeds and when to harvest them, and this system has now been in place for more than 2,000 years.

Today, with advances in science and technology, agriculture depends less on this ancient wisdom. But this seasonal calendar still operates as a reference guide for gourmands to seek out the best times for seasonal delicacies and for health experts to plan nutritious diets.

In a single year, the system features 24 "solar terms," each lasting one day and occurring every two weeks. Each has its own name and characteristics. The Global Times is presenting a weekly series examining which foods and delicacies are best enjoyed during these periods, as well as tips on preserving general health.

In the Chinese solar calendar, lichun, which literally means "build up to spring," is the first of the 24 periods of the solar year. It takes place on February 4 this year.                 

The onset of lichun sees grass clearing the ground, the days starting to lengthen, and more sunshine and rain. Farmers are getting busier and citizens are generally performing more outdoor activities. As an old farming proverb goes, lichun yushui dao, zao qi wan shuijiao ("rain comes after lichun, and this is the time to get up earlier and sleep later." Another proverb has it: yinian zhi ji zaiyu chun] ("a year's planning starts with the spring").

In some places, people follow the tradition of yaochun (a bite of spring) where they will eat chunpan (a mixture of vegetables), chunbing (spring pancake) and chunjuan (spring roll).

Rising temperatures

Although lichun marks the beginning of the spring and with it rising temperatures, health experts remind citizens that they should not reduce the amount of clothes they wear too quickly, because there is still the danger of diseases and infections being passed on.

"Temperatures during this time can be very extreme. And most people's immune systems remain in a weak condition. So it's best not to wear too few clothes, even on days when it feels warm," Zhang Zhenxian, a doctor from the Chinese internal medicine department of Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine told the Global Times.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes people should keep their legs warm at this time because the blood circulation in the bottom half of the body is slower than in the upper part of the body. 

Also, when it turns warmer there is also an increased chance of bacteria and viruses spreading. During this time, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases hit certain people very hard. "More people will get influenza, diarrhea and other infectious diseases. It's a good idea to open windows and to let some fresh air indoors," Zhang added.

Zhang also suggests that people eat less food that is deemed "cold" according to the beliefs of TCM. "'Cold' food upsets the gastrointestinal tract. Be careful about eating in restaurants that don't look very hygienic and always wash your hands before eating to prevent infectious diseases."

Zhang also recommends "slow" exercises, such as tai chi, light jogging and swimming, which help boost the body's circulation and metabolism.

Branch of a tree

In TCM, spring is the best season to nurture the liver. The liver is to a human, as a branch is to a tree, according to this philosophy. If the liver is well nurtured during this time of the year, it will help protect against disease and aging.

"People who want a healthy liver should learn to control their emotions and to avoid getting too angry or anxious, because this can affect the free flow of blood and qi (life energy) into the liver," Zhu Junfeng, a doctor of the liver department at the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital said.

He added that it is better for people to express their negative emotions rather than hold them in. "To constrain bad emotions or to express them violently could harm liver. It could cause liver diseases, neurasthenia, endocrine disorder and worsening immunity," Zhu said.

Liver protection

Simple foods are the best form of nourishment in spring. People should consume less acidic and more sweet foods, and also stay away from greasy, fried and spicy dishes which can burden the liver, stomach and intestines. Eating too much or too little will disrupt the secretion of digestive juices and cause liver dysfunction.

"People should eat food that helps protect the liver, such as jujube, bamboo shoots, yin'er (a type of fungi) and cane shoots jiaobai. Also don't forget that drinking more water can speed up the blood circulation and metabolism, and stimulate getting rid of wastes and toxins from the body," Zhang said.

Zhu said people should choose foods according to their particular health needs, with vegetables and fruits being among the best spring choices. People who have liver problems should eat fresh celery and drink chrysanthemum tea. Those who suffer from hepatitis should eat less protein during an acute phase, but more during their recovery period.